330: Israeli PM Makes Case for Maintaining IDF Presence on Philadelphi Corridor + UN Security Council Extends Peacekeeping Mandate in Lebanon + UK's Symbolic Sanction of Arms to Israel + More

I - On Defense Podcast

For review:
1. US White House reports that new Hostage Deal has Israel mvoing off populated areas of the Philadelphi Corridor.
White House National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby: “The deal itself, including the bridging proposal that we started working with… includes the removal of Israeli Defense Forces from all densely populated areas… in phase one… and that includes those areas along and adjacent to that corridor. That’s the proposal that Israel had agreed to.”
2. Israeli PM Makes Case for Maintaining IDF Presence on Philadelphi Corridor.
Speaking with reporters during a press conference in Jerusalem, PM Netanyahu insisted that the 14-kilometer strip of land is essential for Israel to achieve its war aims and that retaining control there is “central” and determines Israel’s very future.
3. UN Security Council Extends Peacekeeping Mandate in Lebanon.
Resolution 2749, adopted by the Security Council on Wednesday, extends UNIFIL’s nearly two-decade long mission of keeping peace between Israel and Lebanon through Aug. 31, 2025.
4. UK's Symbolic Sanction of Arms to Israel.
On Monday the UK’s new government announced it would suspend exports of 30 items out of a total of 350 current arms licenses.
5. USAF plans procurement of at least 56 MH-139 Grey Wolf Helicopters.
The Air Force previously sought 80 airframes, but the FY25 budget reduced the procurement number.